Kevin Hart highlights upcoming Casino entertainment

WHO IS HE: A former shoe salesman, Kevin Hart quit his day job and immediately immersed himself in the world of stand-up comedy following an amateur-night debut at a Philadelphia comedy club. A performance at “The Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival” led to work in films such as “Paper Soldiers,” “Scary Movie 3” and “Along Came Polly.” In 2004 Hart starred in “Soul Plane” alongside Method Man, Tom Arnold, D.L. Hughley and Snoop Dogg. In 2009 the comic’s hour-long special “I’m a Grown Little Man” debuted on Comedy Central. Hart began starring in the comedy improv reality show “Real Husbands of Hollywood” in January 2013.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Philadelphia native Hart knew that comedy was for him the first time he took the stage at a local comedy club on amateur night. Since that time he’s branched out as both a writer and actor, succeeding at both. However, it is live on stage where Hart does his best work. He’s released several comedy albums which were big hits and his recent “Laugh at My Pain” comedy tour was a huge success.

WHAT’S NEW: Hart currently stars in “Real Husbands of Hollywood” on BET.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $73.50, $94.50 and $140, and the shows begin 8 and 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at Caesars.

Lewis Black at Borgata

WHO IS HE: Lewis Black began his career as a playwright after earning a Masters Degree in Fine Arts at the Yale School of Drama in 1977. While working as the artistic director of a Hell’s Kitchen theater, bar and restaurant, he also acted as the master of ceremonies and began doing stand-up comedy routines as an opening act. Black eventually left and began working as a full-time comedian, as well as doing bit parts in television and film. In 2004, Black starred in his own HBO stand-up special, “Black on Broadway.” Another HBO special, “Red, White and Screwed,” aired in 2006 and was released on DVD later that year. The comic is perhaps best known for his weekly “Back in Black” segment on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” and for his show “Root of All Evil.” “In God We Rust” premiered on Epix in March of 2012.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Black is one of the most original comedians to become successful in quite some time. With his biting, sarcastic wit, astute political commentaries and unique delivery, Black has a style all his own. His topics are wide ranging, and his humor is smart, yet easily relatable for many types of audiences. Due to his exposure on “The Daily Show,” Black finally received the necessary exposure and credit he deserves. The comic is no stranger to the stages of Atlantic City, and his past performances here have garnered quite a bit of attention. He continues to be a popular draw.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $75 and $85, and the show begins 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s Music Box.

Chris Tucker at Revel

WHO IS HE: Comedian Chris Tucker first started to get noticed in the early 1990s after an appearance on “Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy All-Star Jam.” Roles in “House Party 3” and “Friday” soon followed, and Tucker was well on his way to achieving stardom. Tucker’s breakout role was in “The Fifth Element,” which starred Bruce Willis. In the late 1990s he starred opposite Charlie Sheen in “Money Talks” and appeared in the Quentin Tarantino film “Jackie Brown.” Tucker is perhaps best known for his role in the 1998 action/comedy “Rush Hour” with Jackie Chan and the sequel that followed in 2001.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Tucker’s high-pitched voice and fast-talking delivery often have people laughing before he even reaches the punchline of a joke. When he was growing up, Tucker’s classmates would sometimes refer to him as “Little Eddie Murphy.” It’s easy to see where they could draw this comparison from, but at this point Tucker definitely has his own style. The Atlanta native was an instant success on the Los Angeles comedy circuit early in his career and he continues to leave crowds rolling in the aisles at his shows.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $74.75, $84.75 and $94.75, and the show begins 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at Revel’s Ovation Hall.

Sister Hazel at House

of Blues Party Pit

WHO ARE THEY: Sister Hazel formed in 1993, released an eponymous debut album in 1994 and followed it with their major-label-debut “Somewhere More Familiar” in 1997. The album’s hit single “All For You” helped push the album to gold sales status and put them on the map commercially. “Fortress” was released in the summer of 2000 and featured the minor hit “Change Your Mind.” Subsequent releases included “Chasing Daylight,” “Lift” and “Absolutely.”

WHAT TO EXPECT: Sister Hazel is one of those bands who are fortunate enough to have a devoted, sizeable following of fans who flock to their live shows year after year. This is in part thanks to Sister Hazel’s consistent touring schedule, which may be grueling at times, but ultimately is rewarding. Fans at the House of Blues Party Pit can expect to hear songs from throughout their 20-year career including hits such as “Solitude” and “I’ll Be.”

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Add dinner to your show at 5:30 p.m. for $10 per adult, $5 per child. The show begins 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Tuesdays at The Comedy Stop inside the Tropicana.

Reba McEntire

at Revel

WHO IS SHE: Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, Reba McEntire was the most successful female singer in country music. During this period she managed to score 22 No. 1 hits, five gold albums, six platinum albums, two double-platinum albums, four triple-platinum albums, a quadruple-platinum album and a quintuple-platinum album. That adds up to 33.5 million albums sold during that 20-year period. McEntire also managed to become a successful actress, starring in her own sitcom “Reba” in addition to numerous other television and theater work.

WHAT TO EXPECT: As trends and styles in contemporary country music have continued to evolve, McEntire has managed to retain her position as country’s leading lady. The singer has been recording since the late 1970s and is known for her lively stage shows and engaging personality. Fans can look forward to hearing hits such as “We’re So Good Together,” “Why Not Tonight,” “Fancy,” “You Lie,” “Fallin’ Out of Love,” “My Sister,” “Because of You,” “I’m a Survivor” and “Is There Life Out There.”

WHAT’S NEW: McEntire’s television show “Malibu Country” was recently cancelled after 18 episodes.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $65.25, $85.25, $95.25, $115.25 and $135.25, and the show begins 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Revel’s Ovation Hall.

KC and the

Sunshine Band

at Tropicana

WHO ARE THEY: During the mid- to late-1970s, the racially integrated KC and the Sunshine Band scored some of the decade’s biggest disco hits. With the exception of the Bee Gees, there was no bigger disco group at the time. Hits such as “Shake Shake Shake (Shake Your Booty),” “Boogieman,” “Keep it Comin’ Love,” “Do You Wanna Go Party,” “Please Don’t Go” and “Boogie Shoes” all shot to the top of the charts. The group was nominated for nine Grammy Awards during this period and won three. By the early 1980s, KC and the Sunshine Band’s album sales started to drop and the band split up. They re-formed in the 1990s as a touring act.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Those attending the KC and the Sunshine Band show at Tropicana Casino and Resort on Saturday night can expect to do a little dance, make a little love and get down. The 1970s hitmakers have a plethora of songs that are practically guaranteed to keep fans on their feet all night long. This is not the kind of show you’ll find too many people sitting batonck listening and reflectively pondering meaningful lyrics. This is a band that is all about partying and getting your butt out on the dance floor. Fans can expect to hear all of their favorite hits such as “Shake Shake Shake (Shake Your Booty),” “Boogie Shoes” and “Do You Wanna Go Party.”

WHAT’S NEW: In July, KC and the Sunshine Band performed at Tropicana Field following a Tampa Bay Rays game.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25, $50, $55 and $75, and the show begins 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Tropicana Casino and Resort’s Showroom.

Peltz Boxing with

Teon Kennedy

vs. Joselito Collado

at Bally’s

WHO ARE THEY: Teon Kennedy is a Philadelphia fighter who rose through the ranks as a super bantamweight, winning the vacant USBA title in 2009 and the NABA title a year later. In 2011 Kennedy won a big 12-round decision over Jorge Diaz, who was undefeated at the time. Kennedy competed for the WBA super bantamweight title in June 2012, but fell short in a loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux. Since that time Kennedy has gotten his weight up and returned to the ring in June 2013 as a junior lightweight. His current record is 18-2-2 with 7 knockouts. Joselito Collado hails from the Dominican Republic and holds a pro record of 13-2 with 3 knockouts.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Peltz Boxing brings an action-packed fight card to Bally’s Atlantic City on Saturday night with a main event featuring former super bantamweight world title challenger Kennedy squaring off against Collado in a junior lightweight matchup. The 27-year old Kennedy defeated Carlos Vinan in a 10-round decision in his latest bout. The 30-year old Collado has impressive wins against Rafael Lora and Andres Ledesma. The fight card also includes a junior middleweight bout between Atlantic City’s DeCarlo Perez (10-2-1, 4 KOs) and Jamar Freeman (9-1-2, 5 KOs) as well as five preliminary fights.

WHAT IS IT: The Burlesque Show is a new production at Borgata that offers a tribute to the burlesque style of the 1940s. The show features entertainers from around the globe in vaudeville skits and provocative dances.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Those looking to transport themselves back in time to the 1940s, when burlesque shows featured beautiful women in rhinestone trimming and tassels, will want to check out “The Burlesque Show” at Borgata’s Music Box. “Borgata has always been committed to introducing our customers to the most diverse and innovative entertainment in Atlantic City,” says Borgata Senior Vice President of Operations Joe Lupo in a press release. “With the commencement of ‘The Burlesque Show’ every Thursday throughout the summer, we look forward to presenting yet another exciting, unique entertainment option for our clientele to enjoy.”

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25, and the shows begin 9 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 29, at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s Music Box.

Toni Braxton at Trump Taj Mahal

WHO IS SHE: Toni Braxton, along with her sisters, signed with Arista Records in 1990 as The Braxtons. Her first single with The Braxtons called “The Good Life” caught the attention of L.A. Reid and Babyface, the hottest songwriting/production team in R&B. Braxton’s first solo album for LaFace Records was released in 1993 and was an instant smash, reaching No. 1 on both the pop and R&B charts. Hit singles included “Breathe Again,” “Another Sad Love Song” and “You Mean the World to Me.” Braxton’s sophomore effort “Secrets” featured the hit single “You’re Making me High” and “Un-break my Heart,” which spent an amazing 11 weeks at the top of the charts. In 1997 Braxton won Grammys for Best Female Pop Vocal and Best Female R&B Vocal.

WHAT TO EXPECT: R&B diva Braxton comes to Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort on Saturday after spending time this summer working on a new album with Babyface. Braxton’s deep, sexy voice is sure to please concertgoers, as is her impressive collection of hit songs. Braxton offers a little something for everybody. She’s soulful enough for R&B fans, smooth enough for adult contemporary, and sultry enough for younger fans. Concertgoers can expect to hear hits such as “You’re Makin’ Me High,” “Unbreak my Heart,” and “Yesterday.”

WHAT’S NEW: Braxton’s album with Babyface will be released next month.

WHO IS SHE: Vicki Lawrence is an actress, comedian and singer who is best known for her co-starring role on “The Carol Burnett Show.” One of the recurring roles she played on the show was Thelma Harper/Mama, a wisecracking old woman from the South. The character was so popular that she got her own sitcom, “Mama’s Family,” with Lawrence in the lead role. During the 1980s, Lawrence hosted and appeared on various game shows including “Win, Lose or Draw,” “Hollywood Squares,” “Match Game” and “Password.” In addition to television, Lawrence also experienced success as a singer, scoring the No. 1 hit “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” in 1972.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Despite the fact that Lawrence was wearing a grey wig, glasses and putting on a fake Southern accent, the character of Thelma Harper (Mama) had such a strong, distinct personality that it was easy for television viewers in the 1980s to forget that she wasn’t a real person. On Saturday night at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, fans will get a chance to see both Lawrence and Mama in “Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show.” Mama has always been stubborn and notoriously set in her ways and during the show she’ll give her take on many a topic to the delight of all in attendance.

WHAT’S NEW: In September, a “Mama’s Family” reunion will take place on the show’s DVD release.

WHO IS HE: Trey Songz is an R&B singer originally from Petersburg, Va., whose first solo track “About the Game” appeared on the “Coach Carter” soundtrack. Songz worked on collaborative efforts with Snoop Dogg, Lil’ Kim and Trina before releasing his debut album “I Gotta Make It” in 2005. Two years later he released “Trey Day,” which debuted at No. 11 on the charts. In 2009 Songz released the album “Ready,” which contained the single “I Need a Girl.” Songz’ 2010 album “Passion, Pain & Pleasure” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and included the hit “Bottoms Up.” The hits continued for Songz in 2012 when the album “Chapter V” debuted at No. 1 on the charts. It contained the hit single “Heart Attack.”

WHAT TO EXPECT: R&B superstar Songz will take to the intimate confines of the House of Blues on Saturday night armed with numerous hit songs from a career that’s been in full swing for the better part of eight years. Fans can expect to hear hits such as “I Need a Girl,” “Bottoms Up” and “Heart Attack,” as well as plenty of others that will get hearts pumping. Songz is a masterful live performer and concert-goers can look forward to a passionate show.

WHAT’S NEW: Earlier this year, the song “Heart Attack” was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Song.”

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $49.50, $71 and $81, and the show begins 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the House of Blues at Showboat Casino-Hotel.

Family Reunion 2013 featuring Gladys Knight and O’Jays at Borgata

WHO ARE THEY: Along with her group The Pips, Gladys Knight became one of the most successful soul singers of the 1960s and ’70s. Under the Motown label, Knight scored hits with “Friendship Train,” “It Should Have Been Me,” “If I Were Your Woman” and “The End of Our Road.” After scoring a No. 2 hit in 1973 with “Neither One of Us,” Knight left Motown and wound up achieving superstar status with the No. 1 smash “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Other hits such as “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination” and “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” were soon to follow. The remainder of her career has been focused largely on the adult contemporary genre.

Emerging from Canton, Ohio, in the early 1960s, The O’Jays went on to become arguably the greatest 1970s soul group. Their hits include “Love Train,” “For the Love of Money,” “Let Me Make Love to You” and “Give the People What They Want.” The O’Jays were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004 and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Throughout the course of her illustrious career, Knight has racked up numerous hits including “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “Neither One of us,” which will no doubt make an appearance in her setlist Sunday night at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Though she has a great deal of upbeat Motown-era material to draw from, it is her more laid-back R&B soul numbers which leave crowds hypnotized.

Also on the bill is the O’Jays, whose sweet soul and R&B sounds came to define Philadelphia soul, and helped the group establish themselves as one of the top acts in the genre during the 1970s. An O’Jays concert is one filled with uptempo dance songs, sweet ballads and mid-tempo love songs. The group’s smooth vocal harmonies fill a room and create an atmosphere like no other.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $65, $75 and $85, and the show begins 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at Borgata’s Event Center.

Jim Gaffigan

at Borgata

WHO IS HE: Stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan began performing in New York City in 1991. Since that time he has starred in several short-lived television shows including “Welcome to New York” and “The Ellen Show,” as well as “My Boys,” which had a four-year run on TBS. He has also made guest appearances on “That ’70s Show” and has appeared in Sierra Mist commercials. Some may know Gaffigan from his cameos on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” where the comic stars as one half of the superhero duo “Pale Force.” Gaffigan made it to the Broadway stage in 2011 for a revival of “That Championship Season.”

WHAT TO EXPECT: Although Gaffigan would often begin his routines by saying, “Don’t worry, I’ve never heard of me either,” the veteran comic had a role on TBS’s “My Boys,” starred in the Broadway production “That Championship Season,” alongside Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Chris Noth and Brian Cox. Although he still may not be a household name, Gaffigan has enjoyed success for quite a while now and seems to only be gaining momentum. Gaffigan’s routines often involve him impersonating an audience member, making fun of himseld as well as mocking the delicious Hot Pockets, which he refers to as “a Pop-Tart filled with nasty meat.”

WHAT’S NEW: Gaffigan released the book “Dad is Fat” in May. It is a collection of essays that deals with raising children and his own childhood.

WHO ARE THEY: Divas Do AC is a female and celebrity impersonator show which features a rotating cast of characters including Dolly Parton, Prince, Patti Labelle, Liza Minelli, Marilyn Monroe and Madonna. Joan Rivers serves as the show’s impersonator host.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Host Joan Rivers kicks things off and keeps things lively and entertaining as other legendary stars from past and present make their appearances. Elaborate costumes and makeup along with accurate impersonations make audience members feel like they’re seeing the real stars all on one stage.

WHO ARE THEY: Legends in Concert began in Las Vegas in the 1980s and has been running strong ever since as the world’s most successful tribute show. The show has been so successful that Bally’s renovated the Palace Theater and renamed it Legends in Concert Theater in order to host the show on an ongoing basis. It features new seats, more booths and cocktail tables and walls of memorabilia. The show will present five different lineups of entertainers throughout the year.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Tributes to Katy Perry, Michael Buble, Elvis Presley, Tina Turner and Tom Jones will all be a part of the new summer lineups. But regardless of who is actually performing, the Legends in Concert show is always a hit with audiences.

WHO ARE THEY: “Magique” is a new family-friendly production which stars Kevin & Caruso and is directed by renowned choreographer Mistinguett. The show includes amazing illusions as well as comedy. Magique runs for six weeks at Tropicana Casino and Resort.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Those looking for a fun, lively, entertaining show that the whole family can enjoy will want to check out “Magique” at Tropicana. Audience members will be amazed as showgirls appear and then disappear just as easily from a puff of smoke and somehow pass through a maze of spinning blades and Lord Caruso will levitate right before everyone’s eyes. Director Mistinguett brings her distinctive style to the show which includes a spectacular soundtrack, video screens and amazing special effects.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25 and $10 (for children 16 and under), and the shows begin 3:30 and 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The show runs through Aug. 30 at the Tropicana Showroom.

Beatlemania Now at Trump Plaza

WHO ARE THEY: Beatlemania Now has performed its tribute to The Beatles before hundreds of thousands of people during its career. With multiple costume changes, authentic instruments, a big-screen video presentation and more than 35 songs, the group chronologically traces the Beatles’ career from their 1964 U.S. debut up until the swan song of “Let it Be.” Beatlemania Now has performed internationally at everything from intimate club performances to gigantic outdoor gatherings of more than 20,000 people and has become the premier multi-media Beatles show in the process.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Beatlemania Now recaptures the mood and frantic intensity of a time when The Beatles were the most exciting thing to happen to music since Elvis. By playing the songs in chronological order, complete with costume changes, one really gets to appreciate the tremendous growth and output of material that The Beatles created in such a short period of time.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $48. The show begins 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and runs through Aug. 31.

Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody at Golden Nugget

WHO ARE THEY: “Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody” is a musical comedy that uses the best-selling book “Fifty Shades of Grey” as the focal point for its satirical take on pop culture.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Those who enjoyed the sizzling, best-selling “Fifty Shades of Grey” won’t want to miss “Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody” at the Golden Nugget this month. The show features sharp-witted comedy, music, a striptease and is perfect for a girls night out. Although those who read the book and its sequels are practically guaranteed to get a kick out of “Spank!,” the show is also entertaining for those with only a vague knowledge of the series since it is a show that features audience interaction and is also a satire on popular culture as a whole.

SHOW INFO: The show begins 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. on Sundays. The show runs through Aug. 25 at the Golden Nugget.

Mentalist Wayne Hoffman at Revel

WHO IS HE: Wayne Hoffman combines his psychology and illusion in his act “Mind Candy” and has performed in 45 countries throughout the world. He’s appeared on “The Howard Stern Show,” “Phenomenon” and “The Glenn Beck Show” and has won several entertainment awards.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Mentalist Wayne Hoffman displays seemingly supernatural powers in his show “Mind Candy,” which comes to Revel for a monthlong engagement. Hoffman reveals people’s innermost thoughts in a humorous way, combing it with visual illusions which absolutely amaze audience members. The high-energy show features time travel and objects being moved only by Hoffman’s mind. “Mind Candy” is a one-of-a-kind type of show.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $20. The shows begin at noon and 2 p.m. and run six days a week through the end of August.

Cirque Dreams

Revealed at Revel

WHO ARE THEY: Founded in 1993 by Broadway director Neil Goldberg, Cirque Dreams has entertained more than 50 million people worldwide in theaters, casinos, theme parks, cruise lines and on Broadway. The shows feature incredible acrobatics, wonderful artistry and stylish costumes. Cirque Dreams shows have been major hits with both fans and critics alike.

WHAT TO EXPECT: A brand new Cirque Dreams show, Cirque Dreams Revealed comes to The Social for a two-month run and promises to be another bit hit. It’s a 60-minute cabaret revue which includes dynamic action sequences performed by 16 featured artists. Show-goers will be amazed as performers soar high over their heads executing challenging aerial maneuvers and balancing acts with an incredible grace and rhythm that makes it all look easy. The Social provides the perfect venue for Cirque Dreams Revealed as the intimate guest seating will surround the performers. A special “VIP Living Room” lounge offers guests an even more amazing view and an opportunity to be right alongside the artists and practically in the performance themselves.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25. The show will be performed twice a day, six days a week at 5 and 8 p.m. The show runs through Sept. 22 at Revel’s Social.

Straight No Chaser at Harrah’s

WHO ARE THEY: Straight No Chaser is a 10-piece male a cappella group that formed in the mid-1990s when the members were students at Indiana University. The group became a sensation with its two holiday albums “Holiday Spirits” and Christmas Cheers,” and is finding more success with the recent release “With a Twist.” The album includes Oasis’ “Wonderwall.”

WHAT TO EXPECT: Straight No Chaser has taken the simple concept of a cappella vocal harmonies and made it into a hugely successful career. The group, which has been together since its members’ college days, initially gained fame with their holiday-themed albums. Eventually however, they’ve turned to rock and pop classics as the foundation of their latest albums “With a Twist” and “Under the Influence.” Fans can expect to hear plenty of songs from “Under The Influence” at the Harrah’s shows. The group has enjoyed several successful residencies in Atlantic City and there is no doubt that this current stand will be just as popular.

WHAT’S NEW: Straight No Chaser’s new album is titled “Under the Influence.” It features guest performances from Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Rob Thomas, Seal and Dolly Parton.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $45 and $55. The show begins 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and a special performance at 3 p.m. on Aug. 24 at Harrah’s. The show runs through Sept. 1.